The field of indigenous medicine is a highly knowledge-rich field that plays an important role in the health system of Sri Lanka. It is nourished by aspects of (Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Deshiya Chikithsa) and now includes alternative medicine such as Homoeopathy.

Following independence, the Indigenous Medicine sector has evolved through several significant milestones: the amendment of the Indigenous Ordinance through Act No. 49 of 1949, the establishment of the Department of Indigenous Medicine in 1957, the enactment of the Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961, and the establishment of a new ministry for Indigenous Medicine in 1980. In 1994, it was elevated to a Cabinet Ministry. From that point, operating under the direct supervision of a Cabinet Minister, this sector was transferred under the Ministry of Health on January 18, 2015. From September 21, 2015, it functioned under the name Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, and from December 10, 2019, as the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services. Subsequently, it operated as the State Ministry of Indigenous Medicine Promotion, Rural and Ayurvedic Hospitals Development and Community Health under the Ministry of Health, and from May 27, 2022, has been functioning as the Indigenous Medicine Section under the Ministry of Health. Subsequently, from November 25, 2024, it was placed under the Ministry of Health and Mass Media and continues to function as its Indigenous Medicine Section. This division carries out the formulation and implementation of policies related to the Indigenous Medicine sector, preparation of strategic plans, development of physical and human resources, regulatory functions, research and development activities, as well as overall operations and supervision related to the sector's development.

The aim of the indigenous medicine section is to provide the best quality, efficient and cost-effective indigenous medical services while protecting the health of the people.